Speak up now while literally millions of Israelis live from one alarm to another, or remain forever silent.

If you really mean what you say about criticizing Israeli policies but not questioning Israel's inherent right to live in peace and security, then raise your voice right now.

Not tomorrow, not the day after, but today.

Speak up and say that the scores, if not hundreds, of rockets being fired from Gaza at Israel are an abomination. Say there can be no justification for such acts of terror.

Say that that this assault is a brazen violation of fundamental human rights.

Say that Israeli women, men, and children have the right to live in peace in their homes, and not be on permanent, 24/7 alert.

Say you empathize with Israelis, as they have no more than 15 seconds to reach a bomb shelter, and to make sure that their young children and elderly relatives also find protection.

Say that Hamas is a terrorist organization, precisely what the United States and European Union declared it to be years ago.

Say you've read the Hamas Charter and understand the group's goal is not to end Israel's settlement policy, but Israel, period. Say you're aware that Hamas uses civilians in Gaza, including children, as human shields.

Say you know that Hamas is linked to Iran, from which it gets funding, weapons, and training.

Say you see a clear moral distinction between the arsonist, Hamas, and the firefighter, Israel.

Say there's a fundamental difference between a despotic regime, Hamas-ruled Gaza, and a democracy, Israel.

Say you know that Hamas trains children to glorify death and "martyrdom," while Israel educates children to affirm life and advance the frontiers of human knowledge.

Say you know that Hamas opposes any Palestinian effort to reach peace with Israel, and will do everything possible to sabotage efforts in that direction.

Say you know that no country, neither America nor the European nations nor anyone else, would tolerate volleys of deadly rockets fired at them with the aim of causing murder and mayhem.

Say you know that Israeli hospitals, in response to more than 12,000 rockets over the past 14 years alone, continue to provide life-saving medical care for residents of the Gaza Strip.

Say you know that Israel not only has a right, but an obligation, to defend itself, which means going after the terrorist infrastructure and its leadership.

Say you hope that the world will understand and support Israel at this precise time, when half the Israeli population lives within range of Hamas weaponry.

Say you know how to prioritize your concerns, and, whatever your other issues with Israel might be, its ability to end the deadly attacks now tops the list.

Say you'll avoid the temptation to invoke mealy-mouthed and misplaced comments about "restraint" and "moral equivalence" and "cycles of violence," as if you were playing both sides off against the middle.

Say you know that Israel left Gaza, lock, stock, and barrel, in 2005, giving this strip of land the first chance in its history to govern itself. Say you know that no one before Israel, not Egypt, not the British, not the Ottomans, no one, offered Gaza the opportunity that Israel did to chart its own destiny.

Say you know that, in 2005, Gaza had the chance to choose whether it would seek to emulate Singapore or Somalia, and chose the latter.

Say you know that Hamas took over power in Gaza by ousting the Palestinian Authority, killing many in the process.

Say you know that there is no way peace can be advanced for the Palestinians – or the Israelis – if this very same Hamas is allowed to share governance with the Palestinian Authority.

There are moments in life that define us. We don't always get to pick and choose them. They come, often unexpectedly, linger for a time, and then move on.

This is one such moment.

Speak up now – unambiguously, credibly – while literally millions of Israelis live from one alarm to another. Don't worry. There will be other occasions to voice your ongoing concerns about, and criticisms of, Israel.

But if you choose to remain silent or resort to ambiguity, please don't expect to be taken seriously the next time you preface your critique of Israel with those familiar words, "As a friend of Israel..."

Visitor Comments: 87

It is high time the world acknowledges that Israel is in the right and on the side of good.

gail,
September 17, 2014 10:56 AM

iseral has the god given right to exist

isera has the right to exist ,she is gods chosen people and she is on her land that was given to her by .god she has the right to defend her self as she is doing as any nation would that is attacked and the whole world needs to acknowledge that

(76)
enrique zamora-perez,
July 31, 2014 6:13 AM

all the way with Israel,hit hard back to hamas,and finish the job now.....El pueblo de Israel no merece vivir haci ,hay que terminar a estos criminales one and for all.

(75)
Jacqueline A Brinson,
July 18, 2014 10:44 AM

Our prayers with you daily.Israel must be allowed to be a state

this must end. Hamas must be stopped permanently.

(74)
Bobby5000,
July 17, 2014 4:56 AM

Help us understand a little better

1. What happened. Saying that the Palestinians and Hamas are aiming to destroy Israel is inaccurate or overstated. It seems there was a reasonable peace since 2012 with the ceasefire. I understand three wonderful teenagers were killed but you will find teens killed in most American cities. Was this a declaration of war by Hamas, the beginning of their plot. Were high-level Hamas operatives involved in the killings.

2. Bombing Hamas homes, bulldozing suicide bombers, creating walls, searching for weapons seem needed or measured responses. We see seemingly innocent people being bombed. There is also a public relations battle and we need better explanations of what are war targets.

3. Alternatives to 1967. I can understand not giving up all the land to a hostile group. However aren't there less more moderate alternatives. What is the Israeli plan, can someone tell us.

s,
July 30, 2014 12:58 AM

So there was a little quiet for awhile, it's still not peace. Peace is when the terrorists stop harassing us. The reason Hamas is attacking is Not because of land or other excuses. They believe that they have to get rid of us to go to paradise. We need to stop Hamas so they don't attack us anymore

(73)
Anonymous,
July 16, 2014 9:30 PM

make believers out of em

Israel if you make war hell then the hamas wont want anymore of it . peace

(72)
john,
July 16, 2014 9:27 PM

ok

israels has been very soft on hamas over the years . it s a never ending story its like a bunch of hyenias pestering a lion well in the end the lion allways kills the hyienia /.The god of Jacob will not tolerate this very much longer. peace

(71)
Franklin Ryckaert,
July 16, 2014 11:10 AM

overreaction

You can say what you want about Hamas (and probably be right) but don't you think Israel is OVERREACTING ? Killing 200 people for three Jewish boys, destroying countless houses and infrastructure, that is no "retaliation", that's a CRIME in it self!

Tirtza,
July 16, 2014 5:04 PM

The CRIME is that people like you don't want to know the truth

You could easily check out the news(even biased against Israel media sites) and see that the Israeli response was to rocket attacks from Gaza and not to the murder of Jewish teens.Actually, your CRIME is worse than Hamas. Hamas believes it has a "right" to all of Israel and believes in it's "honor" to do anything to secure that(and that's just the start). You, however, have no reason to hate and spread lies about Jews, except for just pure hatred and a contempt for TRUTH.

(70)
nishant,
July 15, 2014 7:40 PM

Israel wins always

liberal media is totally biased against Israel...and it seems they r wilfully blind to ground realities - that israel is the only democracy in middle east...that israel withdrew from gaza n got only rockets in return....that israel has contributed more to the world than all arabs combined have....list goes on n on...just shows they are "puppets of satan" ...in the end however Israel will win as always...n to reply to a comment above that said "it will take more than islam to get rid of jews" - I SAY...ZION IS FOREVER AND NOBODY IN ALL CREATION CAN GET RID OF GOD'S CHOSEN - THE JEWS.....shalom from mumbai India

(69)
David,
July 15, 2014 2:19 PM

Not willing to hear it

I posted a comment on CNN's Web site, taking CNN to task for allowing comments likening Holocaust survivors to Nazis.

Since then, CNN has blocked every comment I have posted challenging the anti-Semitic libels they host.

(68)
David,
July 15, 2014 2:03 AM

Responding to Israel's over-the-top critics

When engaging them in online forums, don't. Anti-Semites drop bombs in the online comments sections of major news sites. Characterizing Israel is Nazi-like or apartheid is standard fare. There is no point at all in trying to change those posters' minds about anything; they're thoroughly driven by hate and have no interest in facts. Instead, talk past them to the audience who has read their malicious notes. Point out concisely what's wrong with what they've said, and perhaps remark at the hatred that must have underpinned posting such a false and inflammatory charge.

(67)
Kieran Oneil,
July 14, 2014 9:54 PM

Im a Christian and I love the Jewish people and I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, May G-d protect the Idf and keep them from harm. Israel for the win!

(66)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 9:47 PM

where have the roman, persian french all the empires gonebut try as they might after all the persecution over thousands of years we jews are still here,it will take more than Islam to get rid of us

(65)
Césarin,
July 14, 2014 9:17 PM

Shame

I live in Mexico and I feel shame to see people attacking that legitimate right to defend itself of Israel lClamming that they are "genocides" but in fact what they do completely opposes to the genocide definition,Israel have let the Palestinians exist,but they on the contrary want to trow Israel to the sea,Hashem will not let that to happen!amen,amen

(64)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 8:20 PM

No weapon formed against Israel will stand

Stand with Israel. God will protect his people

(63)
Andy,
July 14, 2014 6:37 PM

Jews are and always will be the apple of God's eye

No weapon formed will cause harm to Jewish people. God is faithful. He will protect His people as He has always done!

(62)
eugene mazzilli,
July 14, 2014 4:06 PM

Forgiveness and Punishment

I remember the many words of (blessed memory) Rabbi Noah Weinberg wherein he said in as many words, that as long as the people of Israel forget their God and resort to secularism and continued hatred and exclusion of other peoples including those that have offended us, God would look away and the problems and sadness would continue. We have to show true contrition for our sins and then go and get Hamas and all those in Gaza and the Middle East that continue to cause trouble for Israel and the world. The cancer must be cut out and destroyed and unfortunately, Israel will always be in the wrong. Naturally, to counter this, Israel must give warnings to all people of the chance to flee before they go in and eradicate the cancer. Please pray that all of the women and children leave the area and that none of them are harmed. That is what the world is watching. That is what people will complain about. No one cares if the rioters are killed, because they are viewed as extremists and troublemakers. This is a war of the people, all people wanting peace, and it is time that the Middle East realized that Israel is not going to sit still and tolerate rockets coming into their air space. Would we here in America tolerate it??? I would say not !!!But remember, God is watching Israel and looking to see that we honour His Commandments. He will bless us for every act of charity that we perform for our enemy and those blessings will be showered upon Israel and its people. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for Israel.

(61)
C Dorsett,
July 14, 2014 3:56 PM

I know that Israel should protect herself and does not need anyone's permission to do so. Whether it is Hamas or anyone else an enemy of Israel is an enemy to me. I do consider Hamas terrorists and their actions an abomination. Most of all Israel has what no other nation will ever have the outstrached arm of The Almighty. Their is no need to rely on the UN or anyone else if Israel rely solely on her God the ONe True God the world will witness the demise of Israel's enemy.

(60)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 2:37 PM

response to rocket attacks

Can you imagine criticizing any other sovereign country such as the United States, Great Britain or Australia for trying to go after a group launching hundreds of rockets at its major population centers. It would sound ridiculous, yet this is the criticism Israel has to endure.

(59)
JOSEPH,
July 14, 2014 12:50 PM

the type of rockets fired at israel is now more sophisticated thanthe previous ones, how did they managed to get through??Iran, syria, lebanon , isis , jordan ?At the end of world war two the world came reluctantly to theconclusion that if our ancestral home had been available thatover six millions would not have been murdered ,today evenafter the treaty of BALFOUR which created syria ,jordan for the arab populations and ISRAEL FOR THE JEWS , we are stillfinding ourselves relieving the horror and persecutions of thepast ,when will it end????WHY DOESN'T THE WORLDUNDERSTAND OUR PLIGHT....ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!!!!!!!!

(58)
Romeo,
July 14, 2014 11:39 AM

Miracle unfolding before my eyes...

The tally of missiles from Hamas runs into hundreds now...and NO ISRAELI CASUALTY. Can't the Palestinians understand that the Almighty is protecting them? How can they shout G_od is great when their people are being used as human shield by the Hamas? What is really going on in their mind? I have no doubt that the Almighty will see to it that Israel's enemy will be degraded as Mr. Netanyahu stated. May the Almighty bless His people.

(57)
Chayim Shmulburd,
July 14, 2014 10:11 AM

Israel protects the civilians, Hamas is using them as a shield

Right through the history of Jewish people, human life was and is the most important aspect of everything in the universe. This is why Israeli government and people have spend money time, effort, intellectual capability to create the Iron Dome to protect civilians. This is why, thank G-d, nobody was killed so far, despite hundreds of rockets taking off from Gaza.

Hamas , following their mentality, does not care about it's own people and places the rocket launchers in high density populated areas. They spend their money, time, effort and intellectual capability on making weapons to attack Israel, but not to protect their own people. Why the world media fails to notice this? No wonder the Palestinians are getting killed. Nobody cares about them, except Israeli doctors treating Palestinians in Israeli hospitals.

We all, Jews inside and outside Israel should stand together, should scream from every rooftop to the world: "People, please open your eyes and see who is acting as a HUMAN with total love of people and who is acting as the lowest of the lowest animals, hiding it's weapons behind innocent civilians".

In a time like this all Jewish people, should forget their internal differences. All Jews: Secular, Reform, Progressive, Conservative, Orthodox, Hasidim, inside or outside Israel, Sephardim or Ashkenazim should stand up and unite for the love of Israel, love of Jewish people and love of Humanity. Only when we start praying together, as "ONE" we will prevail and bring Peace for us and all people on this planet, called Earth.

(56)
Pat Plummer,
July 14, 2014 9:46 AM

On hoping the world understands Israel's predicament

"say you hope that the world will understand and support Israel at this precise time, when half the Israeli population lives within range of Hamas weaponry. I do say that Israel has the right to defend it's citizenry. And I also PRAY for the world to understand and support Israel at this precise time.

(55)
Anny Matar,
July 14, 2014 9:42 AM

I am a witness!!

I live in Israel, a Holocaust survivor of 88.Hamas is trying to kill us. If we didn't have the "Iron Dome" (an Israeli invention) as well as shelters everywhere we could have counted thousands dead BUT NO we are prepared and "AM ISRAEL HAI". Which country in the world would accept rockets falling every 5 minutes, targeting women, children, elderly - a whole population!! - living in shelters? Children having their summer vacation in shelter? Israel can!! Musicians,, magicians and painters coming to the shelters to entertain children between 2-8 to make this whole horrid, heartless, brutal attacks look like fun?The Hamas uses all its money and power to destroy us. They put rockets into houses and shoot them from among civilian population. They prepared rockets but provided no shelter for their population having in mind the destruction of Israel believing that the International community and media will support them so all their casualties are women, children and handicapped not one Hamas activist. We destroy? - ha!! ha!! - they start and wait for the UN Human Rights (another joke, we aren't humans!!) to come to their tearful defense which the CNN< BBC< etc. so willingly do.NO, WE DON'T CRY AND DON'T DIE just for them to find a kind word for us.

(54)
Irene,
July 14, 2014 8:30 AM

AMEN

Your Words are true. Israel has the full right to enter Gaza and rule out Hamas.Honestly, I really hope they will not stop until Gaza, which is part of the inheritance given by God to the JEWS, is a part of Israel again.I pray that God will arrange it so that Israel will "undivide" the land that God gave them again. May Hashem bless and keep and protect you, so that in the end everyone will praise God for what He has done in Israel.May each and every man, woman, old or Young, that wants harm of Jews be spewed out of the land of Israel, the true land of Israel, that God gave as an inheritance to the Jews.

(53)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 7:46 AM

Israel

I stand with Israel, however, Israel should once and for all show their strength and power and wipe out Hamas - that will show the world they mean business. How long can this conflict go on for. Am Yisrael Chai!

(52)
Dennis,
July 14, 2014 6:13 AM

I agree and stand with Israel and their decisions to defend their citizens. For all the critics out there I say go there and stand within rocket range of Hamas and then tell me Israel is wrong for the stance they are taking. MAY HASHEM BLESS AND KEEP ISRAEL SAFE.

(51)
samuel welsh,
July 14, 2014 5:54 AM

absolutly

bless u fully agree God bless Isreal

(50)
Helen Springer,
July 14, 2014 3:57 AM

I fully support Israel against attack by Hamas.

Israelis are trying to live in peace in a democracy. The land was given to them by God. He will protect them . The Palestinians ,controlled by Hamas must be stopped.

(49)
Jan,
July 14, 2014 2:33 AM

Rock on, David Harris

This should be published in every newspaper in America and in the world. I'll forward this to as many people as I can and encourage others to do the same.

I like direct and honest speech. This is what you have accomplished here. Todah Rabah, David Harris.

(48)
DL,
July 14, 2014 2:25 AM

Protection

What you say is so true. Israel has to be protected. Why are the Palestinians in gaza not demanding protection from THEIR chosen government - Hamas???

(47)
HindyKierman,
July 14, 2014 2:05 AM

The truth

This is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but! Israel must remain strong to do what it needs to do. There is zero good in a cease fire, a letting up. I know this is easy for me to say in America, but it really is not. I am very pained over the situation, and had plans to go, over the summer. The situation only becomes endless, when an end is not decisively achieved. Will there be new organizations after Hamas? For sure, there all ready are, and one by one they have to be dismantled. There is no other way,If there were, Israel would surely, and has surely tried. But when one groups clearly wants another dead, with no other alternative, then the first group has to hit and hit hard, and make it impossible for that group, (Hamas) to ever function again,.

(46)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 2:00 AM

Bitter Taste

Reading some of the world's media gives me a bitter taste in m y mouth. There is a marked difference between what Hamas is doing and what Israel is doing, but much of the media ignors. Israel has MORALS and ETHICS and those lead Israel to contact civilians whose lives might be in jeopardy. They give them time to leave.
Hamas, on the other hand ruthlessly targets CIVILIANS without warning. They have no morals or ethics. They are out-and-out TERRORISTS, not "miitants"
BBC and other UK outlets don't bother to mention that Israel tries to warn civilians ahead of time. If the UK were attacked by France, how many rockets fired into, say, London, would the UK take before firing back? Methinks it would be ONE not hundreds.

(45)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 1:24 AM

Help Israel

Israel is our homeland. God bless Israel & all those who support it.

(44)
Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 12:45 AM

most people do not know that Israel gave Gaza and its greenhouses to the Palestineans & they promptly destroyed the greenhouses which were left as a means for them to support themselves. They only like killing and not building a future.

(43)
Just a UK jew,
July 14, 2014 12:39 AM

Who cares when 3 Jews die

It really makes me angry. What would you do if your child was kidnapped and killed for no reason other than he was a jew. Israel has every right to retaliate. Arabs think they can murder and kill anyone in any place in any country they choose and the rest of the world must just shut up and take it. Who do they think they are. Look at all the trouble the Arab countries are causing at this moment. They are not just trying to kill Jews they are killing each other. Their hands are against everyone everywhere. They truly are a wild man
Yes israel must defend themselves. I don't care how they do it. America can butt out. If it was America being attacked I wonder what they would do. Russia has just told Ukraine that they will suffer harsh consequences for firing rockets on Russia. What will the world say when they bomb Ukraine. Leave israel alone. I say to Israel do what you must to teach these murderers a lesson. They don't want peace they canot live in peace. They are a war mongering people
Am Israel chai. Jews all over the world i beg you to send money to help our people

(42)
Jim Lolohea,
July 14, 2014 12:14 AM

Mercenary for Israels cause.

If Jihadist can go and fight for Islams' cause I don't see any reason why we cant do the same for Israel.Give us your request and will be in Israel "in a jiffy'

(41)
Allen,
July 13, 2014 11:54 PM

Israel has exercised unbelievable toerance long enough. You are an example of class. Whether the world likes it or not it is time you punch the bully in the nose and make a statement you have had enough. God bless Israel

i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE PEACE ENVOY IS AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME, IS BLAIR ON HOLIDAY AS USUAL

(34)
Rose McKinlay,
July 13, 2014 8:38 PM

I agree with all your article

I totally agree with everything in your article about Hamas. Israel has finally retaliated after constant rockets being fired by Hamas. All Israelis want is to live in peace and build and invent and make the world a better place. You have given us the Bible which has changed my life. I am a Christian from Australia.

(33)
Anonymous,
July 13, 2014 8:35 PM

HaShem is with us.

totally agree with your comments.Hamas could not exist without Israel, they would haveno one to blame their self inflicted problems on.Why is there such hatred in the world?Jews have brought prosperity and improvedfinancial, scientific, and art to all counties inwhich they have lived. Why is this bad.Jealousy and more Jealousy .

(32)
boed parmenas,
July 13, 2014 7:54 PM

God bless you Israel

(31)
andrew,
July 13, 2014 7:01 PM

I fully agree with the writer of this article

(30)
Anonymous,
July 13, 2014 6:50 PM

I agree the Jewish people as a whole are in my opinion an extremely intellectual group - & every person has a right to defend what is rightfully theirs. It is a God given right & it is barbaric the way the Jewish people have been treated through out history - America was late in joining in to stop the ungodly destruction of Jews (the HOLOCOST) - America needs to do what ever she can to end the bombing of humans - whose goal is to be free or dictatorship. Isn't that what others have given their lives to keep America free from dictators like Hitler. Those who become upset when Hitler & the HOLOCOST are spoken of - cause me to wonder - why because they would like to continue -history seems to repeat itself - we caN'T forget - to make sure History evolves human beings to hopefully be Better than what we @ times have fallen short - lets continue to try & make America & the world a better place to be. Do what we would hope that if Israel & America were in each other shoes -we'd want Isreal to do what she could to help defend US. Just a thought - mine. K

(29)
Kyla,
July 13, 2014 6:34 PM

100% Support without Criticism

Dear David,I had a difficult time understanding your first paragraph... I reread it a few times.... I do not have any criticisms of Israel's policies, in fact, who am I to judge them? What I have is 100% support of Israel, whatever their policies, and 100% support for Israel's right to exist, All the best in love and blessings and may Israel be Blessed with PEACE and security from within and all sides. Amen!Kyla

(28)
chantal oldenburg,
July 13, 2014 5:31 PM

I say yes to all and invite every one in the civilized world to do the same

(27)
rebecca,
July 13, 2014 5:19 PM

What is the point?

Mr. Harris fails to mention that the Fatah/Palestinian charter similarly calls for the destruction of Israel and that it was the mythical Palestinian People that voted Hamas to power in the first place which enabled them to take over Gaza. Mr. Harris is writing the same old same old and wants people to think that once the Israelis temporarily "contain" Gaza they will be able to speed up the two state solution. Mr. Harris, you miss the point. You say all the right things until you forget that Fatah and Hamas are the same and that it has always been an insane idea to carve up the tiny country of Israel into three states, two of them which will always be sworn to Israel's destruction. Will organizations like the American Jewish Committee etc.. finally have the courage to really stand with Israel's survival and just say no to two or three state solutions and instead just say Peace for Peace. Don't hold your breath. And so the terror and insanity will continue. How sad!

(26)
Miriam,
July 13, 2014 5:17 PM

With You Israel.

Love you guys, God Bless.

(25)
Anonymous,
July 13, 2014 5:02 PM

Cowards

I am not part of the powers that be, but for once it is time to get the press release right. A group that shoots rockets at a population and then hides behind their own women and children without taking responsibility for their actions, at least when I grew up, were called one thing: cowards.
We want to hold accountable the one or group that killed the Palestinian boy. He is or they are an embarrassment to the tribe. Hamas, on the other hand, says and does nothing except launch rockets and hide behind women and children.

(24)
Stephen Levin,
July 13, 2014 4:46 PM

Long Live Isreal

Israel needs to do anything and everything it needs to do to survive. The unspoken secret truth is that the Jews are the mostremarkable thing that has ever happened to this planet since timebegan. A miracle. Defying all logic and comparison.

(23)
David Innes,
July 13, 2014 4:29 PM

Keep telling the truth. I've read the Hamas charter

(22)
Stephen Shapiro,
July 13, 2014 4:20 PM

Reply To Israel's Critics:

YOU live with constant rocket fire in your neighborhood and see how long YOU last. Idiots.

(21)
David Nathanson,
July 13, 2014 4:04 PM

Israel has no choice.

Israel has no choice. Indeed, she has had no choice for many years. The only things that have restrained her are the pressure of double-standard Western governments and that amorphous thing called "public opinion." Those things do not count when, as now, Israel faces a clear and present existential threat.

(20)
Robert,
July 13, 2014 4:03 PM

Muslims worship evil because Islam is Pure Evil.

Koran, Sira and Hadith practice an insane, evil belief system that turns normal human beings into unspeakable monsters. They are incapable of even comprehending Reason. During the Nazi regime, Einstein said that with luck, the Nazis would, God willing, kill themselves off. Muslims are exponentially more evil that Nazis, and I honestly believe that eventually, the Human Race will have to annihilate all Muslims, and eradicate any and all who stand with Muslims. If we don't wipe them and their evil beliefs out, they will assuredly wipe genuine humans out, to the last man, woman and child.

Barbara,
July 13, 2014 6:29 PM

NO. NO, NO

Please do not bunch all Muslims as evil. Not all Muslims are evil anymore than all Jews are evil. These are racists statements. I am Jewish and have many Muslim friends. None want to kill me. Extremists in any religion are terrible and all religions seem to have extremists among them. I personally find this extremely sad. It is never right to label one specific religious group as bad. I do believe that it is not possible to deal reasonably will unreasonable people and extremists seem to be unreasonable no matter what their religious beliefs. Nazism is a political not religious stance. I've never met a good Nazi.

Yehudith Shraga,
July 14, 2014 12:10 AM

Wiping away isn't the Jewish Belief

The Jewish way is the way of correction, the Sages say that each person consists of positive and negative parts and the purpose isn't to suppress or annihilate the negative ones, the purpose is to correct them and to use for the sake of bestowing.

The same is right about all the levels of humanity, there is what to correct on each level and there is much more what to correct in general process of becoming the world a bestowing one.

The Muslims are the youngest of us all in the sense of their conscious formation, and as many of us once used to think, that they understand everything about this life and that the education is needed to moms and dads, they more or less think so now, and when they fail they also blame "moms" and "dads", nothing differs in the development of the humanity from the development of a person, the point is that without proper spiritual education the children may loose their way.

Brent,
July 14, 2014 1:10 AM

islam

Please do not deceive yourself. There are peaceful and moderate muslims but there is no peaceful and moderate islam.

Study out the hadith and the koran, (the verse of the sword). Those extremist in islam are only doing what was practiced by muhammad as outlined in the hadith and koran.

21 Years of military service, studies in World Religions and Cults have educated me to a large degree... I served my country for our Religious Freedoms which are being taken away and replaced by Political Theocracies like islam.

While we take God out of our Country, They put theirs entirely in God's way. Study out the sects of islam and what the hadith says of muhammad.

(19)
Baruch,
July 13, 2014 4:01 PM

You said it all

I guess the middle initial distinguishes this writer from AJC president David Harris. Both men are to be congratulated. Israel needs us all.

(18)
Gary Dean,
July 13, 2014 3:44 PM

I will not keep silent!!!

Thank you Mr. Harris, for you unwavering boldness; to challenge those who say they support and Pray Israel. Also say: Don't forget the on-going aid into Gaza--the food,fuel, electricity and water--which Israel fulfills Proverbs 25:21-22, which the biased news media will not report. Prov. 12:20 - Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil-- if the terrorist's have nothing to hide, why the masks when thy march, and make their video's

Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 1:14 AM

I too will not keep silent!!!

Isaiah 62:1....

For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, For Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.

STAND WITH ISRAEL!

Brent A. Nehls <><

(17)
Mickey Oberman,
July 13, 2014 3:34 PM

Be frank.

When replying to insults, unfair criticism or outright lies be frank.Call them biased. Call them ignorant. Call them racists. Call them bigots. Call them liars. Call them anything you want that is true.But to not use profanities. By doing so you degrade yourself and your cause.The cause of Israel and of all Jews is to noble to be dragged in the mud by gutter slang.

(16)
Anonymous,
July 13, 2014 3:34 PM

You are not alone

We need to speak out whenever we can to voice our solidarity with Israel and her right to exist. The media was silent when 3 Jewish teens were kidnapped and murdered - only when rioting occurred over the death of an Arab teen was their outrage from the media. Israel's response to kidnapping; pray and search for the boys, Arabs response -silence. Arab teen killed; Israel caught the suspects and are dealing with it in a court of law. Arab response - murder, mayhem and rockets.

Do not forget - the bottom line. The Arab world has been fighting Israel's existence since 1948. Israel invited them to stay - they chose to leave - No Arab country would take them . The PLO made millions, if not billions by creating the Palestinian issue and keeping it in the eyes of the media as "victims". Arafat rejected peace as do all that have come after him.

Israel has the complete right to protect it's citizens against all attackers by what ever means necessary. I am in comple agreement for Israel to use deadly force in the pursuit of it's peace and preservation. The rest of the nations of the world have to stop imposing a unfair and unjust double standard to the nation of Israel in the term of restrait I proudly stand as a supporter of Israel. steve kleiman

(13)
Sandy,
July 13, 2014 3:22 PM

Well Written

Thank you so much for expressing what is in all of our hearts. The day must come now when the people of Israel stand together to demand that those in our country who hate us; who want to murder us all; leave. Those who wish to stay and live as proper citizens of a democracy can stay. Enough is enough.

(12)
Irving Schwartz,
July 13, 2014 3:14 PM

Isreal must survive!

For many years people have sought the destruction of Isreal.It is time for Isreal to defend itself. We have too many enemies and they are multiplying.If we don't destroy them, then we will see our final end.As any other country,we have the basic right to survive.
May Hashem bless Isreal and all our Isreali soldiers who place themselves in harms way. Bimhera Amen.

yehudith Shraga,
July 14, 2014 12:50 AM

We are not going to destory anybody, destruction isn't the Jewish way

We are the Children of the Creator and we are here to create a better world. Yes we have to control the situation and to limit those who has different than creative plans for this world.

Muslims as well as all the rest of us are the part of the creation and we'd better remember it, Muslims as well as all of us do need correction according to their level of spiritual development and we'd better try to explain it to them on our own example, than to continue playing" good guys -bad guys" being on the childish level of spiritual development altogether.

The Holy Zohar says that no matter how awful somebody or something may look to us, if the Creator keep them in the existence He has His Plans for them.

(11)
Irwin Graulich,
July 13, 2014 2:59 PM

Jews Today Are Very Different Because of Israel

As long as Israel's enemies keep attacking, Israel will keep defending itself. And if that means that 1 1/2 billion Muslims have to die, then so be it.

As Rabbi Marc Schneier said in his incredible dvar Torah yesterday at The Hampton Synagogue, "Don't mess with the Jews anymore--unless you want to be dead. We are not marching into the gas chambers ever again!!!"

Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 12:57 AM

Give G-d some Credit

Be sure G-d has much more ways than Muslim Arabs to return us on the Way he has chosen us for, though based on this very fact, I wouldn't recommend anybody to mess with us either, because G-d, The Torah and The People of Israel are One.

(10)
Larry,
July 13, 2014 2:57 PM

s.

I support Israel and what ever decision they make. No other country knows how to deal with the terrorists like they do. May God continue to bless you with wisdom and strength to endure!

(9)
Nancy Bennett,
July 13, 2014 2:53 PM

I respect Isreal

I have learned over the years to respect Isreal.

(8)
Eugene Flam,
July 13, 2014 2:39 PM

Right on, Mr. Harris

Get a letter to get signatures and be able to show influential politicians etc. that so many people agree.

(7)
ma --rubinstein,
July 13, 2014 2:29 PM

the reason why??

An article on this week's History News Network has a fascinating article on why Israel is pushing this war to the extreme --and rightfully so.The basic argument is that the IG wants to keep Fatah and Hamas at odds not united and the new campaign is doing that. It is realpolitik by means of war--and I truly hope it works. here the war in Syria works to Israel's advantage.

Anonymous,
July 14, 2014 1:20 AM

A war is a war and it has no advantages

A war is not Jewish way of making politics, we are ordered by Torah first of all to propose the peace to the opposite side.

We do not build our prosperity on the tears and fears of others, we are ready to help all in need with the technologies, our abilities and capabilities, but we are not here for their service, or anybody others, we are here for our unique purpose to fulfill. Learn to differentiate between the openheartedness and the quickness, it is a bitter mistake to mix them, and sometimes the mistakes have a heavy price to correct.

(6)
Sharon Abelman,
July 13, 2014 2:23 PM

You are 100% right in entirety! The media presentation lacks true perspective on causes for the war.

(5)
IDE cohen,
July 13, 2014 2:21 PM

Well said.

(4)
Yadja,
July 13, 2014 2:11 PM

Israel Only Democracy in the Middle East

Israel is surrounded by countries that want their demise. It is a sin that the U.S. president is giving tax payers dollars to Gaza, even with this affront from Gaza on Israel. Gaza needs to be absorbed by the Arab countries. Gaza is nothing more than a Refugee Camp that was at one time the third largest in the world. It is filled with a mishmosh of Arabs and they voted Hamas to be a part of them.

Israel needs to take back the Gaza Strip and secure her borders and tell other countries, especially America, to stop dictating policy to them and stop encouraging their enemies via funds.

It is my sincere hope that Israel cleans out this den of vipers once and for all. Enough is enough and now that America has a Pro-Muslim president, they need to have nothing to do with America when it comes to Peace Negotiations. Until America stops supporting Gaza.

(3)
Gene,
July 13, 2014 1:54 PM

Fore or Against

If i were in a marriage how would i support my beloved? Being critical? Supporting her in her every move albeit suggesting other options at times? The disrespect of Israel by our own people and not admitting war declared on her by her neighbors gives a nasty taste. I support Israel and hope to see her retaliating in a war attitude with all the force she has.

(2)
David,
July 13, 2014 1:38 PM

Very well said, Mr. Harris.

Rabid anti-Semites typically open up with "some of my best friends are Jews". You've clearly outlined how we can easily tell who is really a friend and who is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

(1)
Yehudith Shraga,
July 13, 2014 7:32 AM

NEVERMORE

Just close your eyes and imagine, that you MUST make a very long way Home, would it make any difference to you if it were along the Land of Israel or along any of the Arab countries? Where would you feel oneself safer even in the present situation? Where do you feel the real path Home is?

Remember, it is the choice of your life, because it is the choice between the ego or the soul guidance.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...